Why you should care about auto theft

Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other violent crimes that impact your neighborhood, your community.

If your car is stolen, your daily routine quickly comes to a halt. How will you get to work?

Paying a deductible or trying to replace your car takes time and money.

Identity theft. If you left mail, bills, car registration, work files, or other sensitive information in your car, you have now also made yourself a possible victim of identity theft.

Did you leave your house keys or garage door opener in the car? A thief now has access to your home.

Top 10 Stolen Cars in PA*

Most stolen cars are older, common models. These car parts are harder to find, which makes them more expensive—and more lucrative for thieves to find, steal, and sell. A car worth $3,000 is often worth $5,000 to a chop shop.

1

Honda Accord

1996

2

Honda Civic

1998

3

Ford Pick-Up

2004

4

Toyota Camry

2012

5

Jeep Cherokee

1996

6

Dodge Caravan

2000

7

Chevy Impala

2006

8

Nissan Altima

2013

9

Chevy Pick-Up

1999

10

Ford Explorer

2002

What is ATPA?

The Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) is a statewide network of nearly 100 highly-skilled police officers, state troopers, detectives, prosecutors, paralegals, and support staff. The Authority is governed by a board of directors, and operated by an executive director and grants analyst.

ATPA Funding

ATPA does not use tax dollars. Funding comes from an annual assessment of more than 380 insurance companies that conduct business in Pennsylvania. Through this funding, ATPA awards grants to investigative and/or prosecutorial units and prevention programs.

ATPA's Impact

Since 1994, ATPA grantees have recovered stolen vehicles and parts worth $515 million, with theft rates in Pennsylvania dropping by more than 71%, compared to 59% nationally.

You Can Help

Nearly 50% of the state's stolen cars were left unlocked by their owners. The single most important prevention tool is to lock your car and take their keys. Deter thieves by removing or hiding any valuables in the car. Think it will never happen to you? Neither did the nearly 14,000 victims who had their car stolen in Pennsylvania last year.

What to do if your car is stolen

Call your local police department. Confirm your car has not been towed or impounded.